Dan Blanchard is lucky to be alive. Four years ago computer system designer analyst, Dan Blanchard was contracted with a federal prison located in a remote mountainous region of Oregon to install new technology in the facility security and communication network. Upon arriving Dan discovered that the prison was being used to develop chemical agents for potential use in chemical warfare. The guards quickly subdued him and chained his ankles so he could not get away. After a few perilous days, he discovered a basement tunnel that led to the outside of a perimeter fence. At a propitious moment, he shuffled down the tunnel, still chained, to try to secure his freedom. The guards sensed what Dan was doing an opened fire, injuring him in his left leg. He was able to keep moving and scrambled up a nearby mountain as fast as he could. Nearing the top, he collapsed, suffering from blood loss and exhaustion. He regained consciousness and knew a hunter helped him with his escape. It was both a shocking and defining moment in his life. His escape was not without a price. Without medical attention, alcohol was an attempt to blot out the memory of his experience. His relationship with his wife, Kate, and his family was rapidly spiraling downward. A few days later, sitting in the same bar, but sipping a non-alcohol beverage he was introduced to John Harrington who asked the bar owner to make the connection. Harrington, a Russian by birth, (born Ivan Ivanov), engaged Dan in a conversation which eventually led to Dan becoming a double agent, using the technical skills to purloin some encryption keys from the National Surveillance Intelligence (NSI). This activity led Dan to Aruba and Libya to demonstrate the keys to ISIS combatants, all while keeping the FBI informed of salient occurrences. Dan's harrowing episode reveals the courage of a hero who has the "Right Stuff." We begin Now months later sitting, in a bar, he resolved to get his life in order and seek spiritual guidance.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.